weekend Pinkberry, Central Park, Inception

Had Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt before walking through Central Park, stopped off at the boat house in the park, with my friend and her niece, and we stopped at the American Girl Store, WHOA! That store is crazy! Those $95 dolls are pretty cute, I liked the horse riding girl and the camp girl. You can even get your doll's hair done in the store for $20, and give your doll a pedicure or manicure kit for $10.

I dream in color. I remember my dreams, I sometimes can wake & then go back to sleep & continue my dream, loved watching "Inception" 2nite, smart film. Leo & Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt rocked, wasn't expecting Ellen Page but she fit in quite well and did a great job with her role. And loved Mal, Marion Cotillard is so amazing, one of my favorite actresses, I love how they played in the film a french song that I am pretty sure she actually sang in the film "La vie en rose"--you should see this film, it is one of my favorites, it is about the life of Edith Piaf. netflicks.

Go get it.

5 posing tips for brides to look natural, pretty and photogenic

I am so happy about my wedding photos. We had a New York state of Mind when it came to our photos, when we got married on July 15, 2010. We wanted an eloping in our own city feeling. I started thinking about why I am so happy with the photos, and I wanted to share some insight on how brides can pose naturally and quickly, and in a pretty flattering way, and prepare for their photos-to look their best! Even if they have zero experience in front of the camera.

1. Pick a photographer who understands your personality, vibe, and photo-goals.
Wedding photography is a business for the photographer, but if the energy between the photographer and the bride and groom is stiff and only about how many shots you will get and how much it will cost, then the photos will look frigid. I feel lucky because I think the reason I liked our photos so much is because I did know the photographer beforehand. He is a friend, he understood the carefree eloping in the city vibe we wanted and had that day. However even if you are working with a person you've only met a couple times, I think you should look for more than the photography you like, but a photographer's personality you like as well. You want to mesh well the photographer, have the same understanding, to get the shots you want.

Your photographer is more than a payment to make, make sure you communicate about the shots you want and already have seen something similar in their portfolio. Or if not, discuss in detail the shots you want, your goals for the day, your favorite ten-twenty shots that you really want to have despite the other, and see if the photographer understands and has the mindset for your photo-goals. Talk about the vibe of the shoot (are these shots conventional, are they more creative? What is the vibe of the wedding? Is it more anything goes, we are up for anything? Or do you have certain shots you have to have?) Make a list of the locations and ideas you have. Share this list with the photographer and bring it with you on your wedding day, along with giving it to the photographer. (We were in a limo and driving around the city, so we had our list of favorite places to stop at, we had our top ones and then the "if there is time" shots. It helped to keep the day moving smoothly.) Also, show the photographer examples of what you are talking about, show examples you rip out of a bride magazine or bring a similar photo. If you don't have experience in front of the camera, you will pose better and feel more natural if you look at some images before your wedding day.

I think that by communicating with the photographer ALOT of your stress will disappear. Many brides have never been in-front of the camera before this day, and your real smile comes out when you feel comfortable around the person who is taking your photo and feel like you are on the same page. Also real smiles come out when you and your groom are comfortable with each other. Not to forget, you also have more fun!

2. Kissable lipstick and touch-up powder.
It is a must for brides. I wore Revlon's Colorstay Liquid Lipstick. Your groom will thank you because you won't be smudging makeup all over him and you can relax and be yourself with each other, kiss each other whenever you want without having to reapply 800 times. You don't want to spend the day worrying about your faces. Beyond lips, I had the long lasting foundation and mascara, still each time in the limo I had a compact of CoverGirl powder that I would dab lightly on my forehead and under my eyes, and down my nose, since it was such a hot day. I kept a seperate touch-up bag in the limo, but if you are only shooting at a few locations or one, I suggest having a friend or bridesmaid carry in their bag some back-up-bride-beauty-touch-up items. Those beautiful but small bride clutches can only hold a lipstick and mascara-that's it!


3. Get comfortable.
Practice kissing, even if you have been together for four years, and look at photos you already have of each other together. Notice what shots look best, how were you sitting, standing, how were your bodies angled, what expression are your faces? Then I would practice your posing, not forcing it, but for example: the next time he is brushing his teeth before bed, after he spits and cleans the foam off his face, give him a hug and stand together in-front of the bathroom mirror, kiss, hug, snuggle, notice how you look together in the reflection of the mirror. Lean against him, side facing each other, put your arms on each other, watch what happens to your arms, your body, your chin, and his, as you move.

If you are naturally comfortable with each other the photos will show it. You want to be natural and yourself during your wedding day, and also knowing your faces and getting that natural real smile will make you happier with the results. And being comfortable with kissing in front of people, holding hands, looking at each other, are natural motions of love, - but having a camera in your face all day is tiring, so the more comfortable you are around each other, the better. I suggest brides practice their smiles in front of the mirror. I am serious. How we "think" we look when we smile can be different than the result.

4. Angle your body for your body type.
I am really short, however my photographer has experience shooting brides, celebrities, and people of all sizes, sometimes he was even sitting on the ground shooting up at us, to make the shot look more proportioned. Here are some easy changes you can make with your arms and body to look leaner, longer and more proportioned:

Here, in front of the Empire State Building with my groom, we took this shot while we crossed 23rd street, we didn't have much time to prepare the shot, we stopped to kiss as we walked, and looked at each other, this one stands out for me as the best one. I am slightly standing on my toes, and notice how I am slightly stretching my arm away from my body too, my arms look long and whole body looks longer. If I had put my arms straight down the shot may have been more about my arms than the great landmark.

Below, we are in Little Italy, in the shot I slightly pulled back my elbow, which created space between my arm and torso, and this space makes me look leaner and longer and more proportioned in the photo.

Here we are at Grand Central, my arm has a 90 degree angle, and I do this pose often in our photos, (at the Flatiron Building below as well) it is easy to remember and can prevent your arm from taking over the photo. First, I suggest keeping alittle space between your torso and upper arm, (squeezing your upper arm against your body can make your arm look bigger than it is), while you do this, I suggest slightly pulling back your elbow and keep your arm stretch towards your groom with it being as close to level to your waist as you can.


In front of the Flatiron Building on 23rd Street.


5. My favorite pose for brides is your positioning your body facing your groom, but your faces are looking at the camera. However, this is an easy pose that can make your arms and body look larger than it is, so I suggest a few things for nailing this pose:

Watch your posture and your shoulders. By slightly pushing your shoulders back you will also reveal more of the front of your gown.

You photographer should know, but if not, suggest that the shot be taken from the camera looking up at you and your groom. Face each other, but slightly turn your body at an angle towards the camera, this could make your legs look longer. Also, I often stand with one knee bent which can create length as well for you when standing. Or you can put your weight on one leg as you stand, this will also create length.

When facing each other your posture and where you position your arms really matter. You can also get good results by simply standing with your heels together, parallel, and while the shot is being taken inhale to get some length to your body and arch your back a little, as you look at your groom. If you are standing by yourself for a bride portrait, and are unsure about what to do with your hands, I suggest always creating space between your arms and your dress; place your hands on your thighs, or place one hand on your thigh and one behind you, and as you do slightly create space between your arms and your waist and torso. Mostly, I like his hands on your waist, and I think the 90 degree angle arm looks great when standing together, I think you will too!


Extra's to bring or have stored somewhere nearby:
travel size deodorant, (it was 90 degrees out so I used it many times)
Pepto-Bismol
extra bobby-pins
bottle of seltzer water, cleans up white well if you get any stains
travel size brush or comb
lotion, for hands, feet, legs, whole body.

#1 thing to never do in front of the camera:

Put your chin down too much. The lower your chin the bigger your eyes can look, but you can create an unflattering chin this way. You may hear the photographer saying "lift your chin," this is a good photographer.

Overall, you want to feel beautiful and have fun, you want to laugh and enjoy the moment, and you want to create memorable photos that you look great in, and sometimes the "slightest" change in how you position your body can make a huge difference,

Live long love!
Isobella

(photographers, Alex Kroke and Robert Milazzo)
dress: Alfred Angelo
shoes: Badgley Miscka, rosiel
bag: Aqua
flowers: City Blossoms http://www.cityblossoms.com/
hair/makeup: Ion Studio, SoHo
happy hour: Bourbon Street, Hell's Kitchen
cake: www.thelittlecandycake.com

day in the life

got manicure, went to casting, finished my editing for "Short Stuff", had a beauty chat with Monae Everett (see wall), ran around town checking off my to-do-list, CVS, Papyrus, J&R music, post box, laundry, playing with the template for my cover, and about to fold laundry, kiss my man, and since I am really a night owl I am going to write a bit tonight on a teen novel I am working on.

However that won't be something to share until a few more months.

When the mascara on my eyelashes start to feel heavy I know it's time to get ready for bed, until then....

The Beauty work of Monaé Everett

Here are some examples of Monaé Everett's beauty work, I like how she works so well with different skin tones, different ethnicities, and makes each beauty shot's makeup special for that model's needs and helps to bring forward their best assets.

Tune into our beauty chat. Listen to the live show July 29th at 2 PM EST here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/07/29/getting-the-beauty-modeling-face-with-mona-everett







http://www.MonaeArtistry.com
http://www.HairandMakeupBlog.com

Today, a beauty modeling chat with Monaé Everett

Today! on my Model Talk Radio podcast I will be chatting with makeup artist and hair stylist, Monaé Everett!

We will be chatting about how aspiring models can best prepare for beauty shots...even if you are doing your own makeup.

Listen to the live show July 29th at 2 PM EST here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/07/29/getting-the-beauty-modeling-face-with-mona-everett

The scoop on the show:
Petite model, author Isobella Jade chats with Monaé Everett about beauty modeling and the perfect makeup for creating a beauty shot, which is something girls of all sizes need and can use for their modeling pursuits. If you are not tall enough to rock the runway you have to use what you do have. As an innovative hair stylist and makeup artist, Monaé Everett has a strong portfolio of editorial work in magazines and commercial work. She will share tips on beauty modeling makeup tips and also share her own beauty routine with us, and Isobella will share insight on posing the face for your beauty shots and getting comfortable with your facial expressions in front of the camera. "I love how clean and fresh her work looks, how much the shot is about the model's unique beauty, that comes out with Monaé Everett's touch." !~isobella jade

GO SEE HER WORK HERE: http://www.monaeartistry.com/

life of a writer, model, advocate, wife

laying over cover art for my new book "Short Stuff", and got a "hand" casting tomorrow for a "female" product. Gotta do some domestic crap, dry-cleaning, dish washer, fill the water up in the jug, make it to the post office by 9pm, life of a writer, model, advocate, wife :)

tune in tomorrow, Thursday at 2pm EST to Model Talk Radio, an interview on beauty and beauty modeling with make up artist and hair stylist, Monae Everett.

http://petitemodelingtips.blogspot.com/2010/07/getting-beauty-face-with-monae-everett.html

The Importance of Being Natural at Castings

So far, at castings this week, I showed my bootie for a jeans project and touched my boob for a breast cancer awareness ad casting.

As a body part model and print model, castings involve holding, using, modeling many different things. Being comfortable with yourself, and knowing quickly what the job involves and how to use the product, how to hold it, or whatever,- is important at a casting. Before a casting your agency should give you the breakdown of what the casting involves and if it seems confusing, ask. If you are unsure, practice putting on shoes, smiling, modeling jewelry, or whatever the casting might involve before the casting.

For this casting, it was about touching my boob.
I was reminded of the importance of being comfortable with yourself and knowing what the casting is for ahead of time. Here is what I observed.

*****************************

She looks the part, but she has no clue what she is doing.

In the room is the casting director, the photographer (male) and another woman, maybe the art director. I am standing against the wall, waiting for my turn, another girl is aside me also waiting. A handful of others are outside the door.

The girl on set is obviously nervous, I can tell when she unbuttons her shirt ALL the way down when the photographer just asks her to unbutton a few.

She is told to put her hand in her shirt and cover her boob/aka, put her hand on her breast.

She is having trouble with this.

The casting director says to her, “touch your breast." "No. Like this!"
The casting director touches her own boob and then says, "Not like you are cupping it or grabbing it."
"Like this."

"Across"

"No lower."

"Not grabbing."

"Touch it. OK. Now relax your arm, your elbow."

The casting director is obviously annoyed at her. The girl waiting next to me is giggling a little. I feel kinda bad for the girl on set. She is basically getting ripped to shreds. I unbutton my shirt while I wait and practice touching my boob. The casting director notices I am practicing and gives me a nod.

A few things come to mind about the girl on set.
She really COULD USE this campaign as awareness for herself. She is acting like she never gave herself a breast exam in her life. She has no idea what she is doing, what the casting is for, or why she has to touch her boob. She isn't going to get this job.

Casting directors like it when "You know what you are doing." Like agents in print modeling, casting directors don't like to "teach the models," or "repeat themselves 1000's or times."

When the casting director says, "Ok Jade!" "Let's do this." I do.
I am comfortable with my body, have done many "body part modeling jobs" and as a model I am used to being in situations where you have to do things that would be un-normal for most people. Like show my legs, my hands, my feet, my butt, my torso, everything basically for castings and on the job for magazine editorial and campaigns.
**********************************

The reason I am sharing this is because it is important for a model to "know what the casting involves." For this casting above my agency sent me a VERY detailed email about what it involved ahead of time. Maybe the girl on set hadn't fully read it or understood? However, whatever you are holding, touching, using, wearing, or modeling, you need t know how to relax, how to become natural, and especially when it comes to your hands...never be stiff.

Who knows if I will get the job, but I know that if I don't it won't be because I was tense.

~ isobella

This week's favorite little things that made a big impression

This guy lives in an 89-square-foot house LITTLE HOUSE, awesome! Worth watching the short cheerios commercial: http://vitality.yahoo.com/video-second-act-jay-shafer-20910192

Givenchy Waterproof mascara, I wore this on my wedding day and also in the ocean in the Bahamas and it only came off in the shower when I pinched at my lashes. Nice stuff.

The Face and Voice of the Real American Woman in 2010: http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/bigger-picture/staticslideshowes.aspx?cp-documentid=24077868>1=32001

These $60 earrings are pretty awesome and would match everything you wear, check out Kendra Scott's jewelry line here:

Getting the beauty face with Monaé Everett

Soon! on my Model Talk Radio podcast I will be chatting with makeup artist and hair stylist, Monaé Everett!

Beauty modeling is something girls of all sizes can pursue, however having the right makeup for the shots is important and Monaé will be chatting about how to best prepare for your beauty shots...even if you are doing your own makeup.

Tune into the live show July 29th at 2 PM EST here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/07/29/getting-the-beauty-modeling-face-with-mona-everett

The scoop on the show:
Petite model, author Isobella Jade chats with Monaé Everett about beauty modeling and the perfect makeup for creating a beauty shot, which is something girls of all sizes need and can use for their modeling pursuits. If you are not tall enough to rock the runway you have to use what you do have. As an innovative hair stylist and makeup artist, Monaé Everett has a strong portfolio of editorial work in magazines and commercial work. She will share tips on beauty modeling makeup tips and also share her own beauty routine with us, and Isobella will share insight on posing the face for your beauty shots and getting comfortable with your facial expressions in front of the camera. "I love how clean and fresh her work looks, how much the shot is about the model's unique beauty, that comes out with Monaé Everett's touch." !~isobella jade

GO SEE HER WORK HERE: http://www.monaeartistry.com/

Dex New York Cosmetics is casting beauty models 35-55

DEX New York Cosmetics is casting beauty models 35-55. Models are all ages, so never think you are not good enough. The commercial print and advertising world use models of all ages and types. I noticed this casting DEX Cosmetics is holding and the scoop is below. If you want something strive on and notice your assets, work what you've got!



You go to their Minerals Facebook page and upload your photo and email.
Details are here on how to submit.

And also here on Facebook.

Our Eloping in New York City Wedding Photo Tour

Enjoy our eloping in NYC style photos from our wedding day July 15, 2010! (soon I will have some tips on my blog for brides (and girls) on how to get a perfect shot when you are running around in 90 degree weather!)

petite can rock the riding pants

I just ordered 2 pairs of riding pants here: https://www.equestriancollections.com --they have extra small and size 24, which is pretty small. I don't plan to become a pro rider, but they will be really fun to wear this fall! Warm and I like the equestrian look, I think petite's can rock the riding pants with cute flat boots, browns, blacks, grays. hot hot hot to wear this fall. :)

These are the brands I purchased: Devon-Aire All Pro Hipster Riding Breech, in beige.

And TuffRider Ladies Ribb Lowrise Pull On Riding Breeches in Dark Charcoal.


I hope I look as cute as the models in the pictures above. I think I can rock it. :)

2 pair for under $100 is happiness, and now all I need is a belt, prob stop off at H&M, or check out the belts on the site next week.

yay!
Isobella

Apple store reception: brides in mac stores could become a trend mmm

Yup, I tied the knot! At City Hall. With my man of 4 years. I met him actually a couple months after I wrote my memoir at the Apple store, and he has been there with me through a lot, and many great memories. So it was on the list of places to visit during our eloping in NYC style photo tour -of -the- city on July 15, 2010. Here are some of my favorite shots. Enjoy! More pics from around the city coming soon, and also I will share some petite bride tips for shopping and getting high heels that are able to handle all the excitement! ~ Isobella
P.s: read more about this experience shooting this at the Apple store here. (click the pics to see larger)

Can too much glamour photography hurt your model goals?

A girl on facebook asked me, "do you that that doin thong shots and to much glamour and sexy can affect me wantin to become and actress??? "

My reply:

Yes. I think you have to always be careful about the photos you take, who takes them, and what you reveal. Unless it is in good taste, classy, and something you could show your mother or a female and she would say "that's pretty" then I would not shoot it. You can however shoot lingerie WITHOUT the teasing, male focused appeal. Many body shots are used for health, fitness and beauty ads, and also notice the "different types of lingerie out there, not just glamour, but pretty ad campaigns that have a softer, more sincere and female consumer type look. Too much sex appeal, can work against you because depending on your goals you won't get respect for certain jobs with only glamour in your book. Acting these days has become a lot about tits and ass and I don't think this is respected, men might like it, but it is hard to translate being the "hot chick" into being the actress in an amazing touching, successful, award winning and notable film. I would focus on your craft of acting, whether it is a natural gift or if you are taking classes, you have to think of your goals ALWAYS. Set goals. Visualize them, picture yourself accomplishing them, and then do the work and strive for it. I do a lot of body part modeling, I have used my body to book modeling jobs with brands and magazines, -however I made my mistakes in my early days (I wrote about these moments in my memoir Almost 5’4”,), but once I noticed that the images I put out there reflect my opportunities I started to make sure I took myself and my body, my goals more seriously. To make sure that if my body is being seen, it is for a purpose that reflects my goals. It is not out of desperation, and I have great skin, great curves, but showing it has to be for something that will be respected among those who hire me for future opportunities, etc. ~ Isobella

Podcast reading of my new book "Short Stuff" coming soon!

Coming up this Weds, July 21st, at 1:00 PM EST, on Model Talk Radio I will be reading from my new collection of short stories called Short Stuff.

Short Stuff, is based on my on-the-job experiences that took place after her memoir. Including experiences from modeling for Marshalls, Macy's, Victoria's Secret, Bon Appétit, TLC's Stacy London show, Easy Spirit and others, the book also includes modeling tips for shorter models. I think you will really like it. It is a short collection of stories about being a shorter model on the job.

Tune in here for the live show or catch the archive anytime:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/isobellajade/2010/07/21/model-isobella-jade-reads-from-short-stuff-her-new

We called it Eloping in the City